A hero dad died in a horrific house fire trying to save his 12-year-old son while the boy was escaping from another part of the building.
Father Thomas Hawk, 39, had been helping his family shift furniture when his terrified son called him from inside the house, saying he was trapped by a fire on 16th December.
But as Thomas was rushing in through the garage, his own father Tommy, ripped out a bedroom window air condition unit and helped the youngster scramble to safety.
Dad Thomas’s body was found inside the building in Morgan County, Georgia state, USA.
Morgan County Fire Chief Jeff Stone said that he believed the father had died from smoke inhalation.
The dead man leaves behind his wife Amanda, his daughter Mackenzie Hawk and his badly injured son Eric who is at the moment in an induced coma at a specialist burns unit recovering from severe injuries.
A Go Fund Me page was set up following the death organisers say the family needs help with medical expenses and to help replace their home.
The page says: “The Hawk family is mourning the sudden and devastating loss of husband and father Thomas Hawk. His wife, Amanda and two children, Mackenzie and Eric are in need of all contributions monetary, material and spiritual.
“Thomas was taken from them due to a home fire which is a total loss as well.
“Eric has suffered severe smoke inhalation and has been transported from Athens to Augusta Burn Unit. Amanda is with Eric and Mackenzie is staying with close family members.
“They all will need our love, support and prayers today and in many days to come. We are asking that the friends, family and community come together and love on this family and support their needs.
“Thomas was a “family man” who loved his family dearly. He was the 4-H Archery Coach for Morgan County. Our family met him through the 4-H Archery Program.
“Upon meeting him for the first time, it was like talking with an old friend. Thomas enjoyed coaching the youth in archery and spending time with them.
He was always “living another day in paradise”, and LOVED cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.
“While he was a “family man” Thomas also was a best friend to everyone. He always offered to help any one and everyone. Thomas will be missed by all that knew him. Please find it in your heart to contribute to Thomas’ family as they adjust and navigate their new normal.
“All proceeds will help pay for medical, funeral and daily occurring expenses.”
